league cup winners for setanta cup

**�anna** · 16/06/2005, 11:31 AM

good idea that to have 4 teams in the groups, gives it a bit more balance. TBH, I wouldn't really be too bothered about whether it was the team in 3rd or the league cup winners that got the extra place- there are good reasons for both really IMO

**bluemovie** · 16/06/2005, 11:34 AM

The Setanta Cup is definitely helping promote the possibility of an all-Ireland league so it should be expanded. The best thing about it is that it gets you interested in what's happening in the other league. How many of us ever cared who won the Northern Ireland league cup? How many of us will be looking for the result in December? I was surprised how little trouble there was this year. It should definitely be expanded to 8 clubs. Another good thing is that there'll be more spice next year. There'll already be a rivalry between Shels and Linfield or Cork and Portadown. The longer these competitions go on, the better they get.

**pineapple stu** · 16/06/2005, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Poor Student

However if I recall correctly the Irish League Cup final was Linfield v Glentoran last year so what does that mean for the 4th NI place?

I would imagine the next-placed in the league?

I think it's a great idea. At the moment, the same three teams from the North have qualified, and you'd imagine Shels and Cork would qualify again from down here. The League Cup (here at least) is usually more open (though this may change that) and would add a couple of new teams to the competition. You've had eight different teams winning in the last ten years (only Cork and Pat's have won twice), and another five teams have been in the final.

**Buller** · 16/06/2005, 11:40 AM

"There'll already be a rivalry between Shels and Linfield or Cork and Portadown. The longer these competitions go on, the better they get."
Why dont i see irelands most successful club in there?!

**EnDai** · 16/06/2005, 11:42 AM

Because they won't be in it next year!

**Buller** · 16/06/2005, 11:52 AM

Reality.. so harsh..

**Dazzy** · 16/06/2005, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Poor Student

However if I recall correctly the Irish League Cup final was Linfield v Glentoran last year so what does that mean for the 4th NI place?

The League Cup in the North takes place at the start of the season so this place is not yet confirmed. I think, open to correction.

**Dodge** · 16/06/2005, 12:02 PM

The BBC article mentions a December final so I presume the winners of the Dec 05 final will qualify for the April 06 Setanta

**Slash/ED** · 16/06/2005, 12:14 PM

I'd also much prefer to have the third place team in the competition, in theory it would make it a better standard competition

**paudie** · 16/06/2005, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

The BBC article mentions a December final so I presume the winners of the Dec 05 final will qualify for the April 06 Setanta

Date for next Setanta Cup isn't finalised yet. There was talk of it being in November or December this year. With our Cup final and their League Cup final in December it would have to be December at the earliest.

I'd be more inclined to give the extra spot to the third place team in the league though you can see why they might give it to the League Cup winners to increase interest in it.

**pete** · 16/06/2005, 1:20 PM

Originally Posted by paudie

I'd be more inclined to give the extra spot to the third place team in the league though you can see why they might give it to the League Cup winners to increase interest in it.

If they have to allow a place through the League Cup i think possibly only the winner should be all allowed. If winner has already qualified then place should divert to the 3rd league position.

**jorge** · 16/06/2005, 1:28 PM

That would be like letting the winner of the Carling Cup into the Champions League.

**Dodge** · 16/06/2005, 1:35 PM

Originally Posted by pete

If they have to allow a place through the League Cup i think possibly only the winner should be all allowed. If winner has already qualified then place should divert to the 3rd league position.

That'd be my way of doing it.

Originally Posted by jorge

That would be like letting the winner of the Carling Cup into the Champions League.

Only if they already let the winners of the FA Cup into it

**Schumi** · 16/06/2005, 1:50 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Only if they already let the winners of the FA Cup into it

Think they did this year.

thecorner · 17/06/2005, 12:51 AM

A place in the big money Setanta Cup is the prize for next season's winners of the CIS Insurance Cup.
The new-look Setanta competition is being increased from six to eight teams - four each from the Irish League and Eircom League.

read here